County Down, with its sweeping coastline and rolling Mourne Mountains, offers a range of adventure tourism opportunities along the Strangford Lough and Irish Sea. From hiking trails to water sports, the county provides facilities and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
The Mourne Mountains, a granite range, are a haven for walkers. The 35km Mourne Way offers routes through peaks like Slieve Donard, with guided treks from operators like Mourne Adventures. Cyclists can explore the 40km Newry Canal Way, a flat trail from Newry to Portadown, with bike hire available in Newcastle. The Strangford Lough Cycle Route, spanning 82km, winds through coastal paths and quiet villages.
Water-based activities thrive along Down’s shores. Strangford Lough is ideal for kayaking, with Just Kayak offering guided tours around its islands and wildlife-rich waters. Stand-up paddleboarding is popular at Dundrum Bay, with rentals from Clearsky Adventure Centre. For thrill-seekers, surfing at Tyrella Beach provides consistent waves, with lessons and board hire from Troggs Surf School. Sailing enthusiasts can join courses at East Down Yacht Club in Killyleagh, exploring the lough’s calm waters.
On land, Castlewellan Forest Park offers 12km of walking trails and a lake for canoeing, alongside mountain biking tracks for all skill levels. Horse riding at Mourne Trail Riding Centre in Castlewellan caters to beginners and experienced riders, with routes through forests and hills. Families can enjoy Tollymore Forest Park’s adventure activities, including orienteering and archery. Eco-conscious travellers can explore guided wildlife tours in the Lecale Way, focusing on the region’s biodiversity.
County Down’s adventure facilities blend accessibility with environmental care, with many operators promoting sustainable practices. Whether hiking mountain trails, paddling serene waters, or cycling coastal routes, the county delivers diverse outdoor experiences in a striking natural setting.
Adventure
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Down:
Ireland’s county Down offers a mix of historic sites and scenic landscapes, with Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick Centre and cathedral providing insights into Ireland’s patron saint. The Mourne Mountains offer hiking trails with sweeping views, while Strangford Lough provides kayaking and wildlife spotting. Other attractions include the historic Tollymore Forest Park. Down is Ireland’s 12th largest county by size (2,447 square km) and fourth largest by population (553,261). Population peaked at 361,446 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 204,303, in 1911. In terms of hospitality, Down is Ireland’s 18th most visited tourist county with around 127,000 international visitors per year.
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